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TroyHayden's Blog

by TroyHayden from Phoenix

Last Post 2 hours Ago

AZ Bush visit a joke

Jul 18, 2008 | 4:09 PM
Category: Political

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So the President was in Arizona today.

Why?

Officially, he gave some award to a woman for her volunteer service.

But please. He was here to raise money for a republican congressional candidate.

All Presidents do it, republican and democrat.

They fly our plane (air force one), spending lots of our money to put up their huge staffs.

All to raise money for themselves or some crony.

It would be easier to swallow if they didn't come up with weak "official" reasons for their trips.

How many of you think the President would go to Tucson to give some award away if there was no money to be made?

Anyone else bothered by this?

48 Comments | Add a Comment

Jul 18, 2008 | 4:34 PM

It sure do smack of hypocrisy.

Atm_Thght

Jul 18, 2008 | 4:45 PM

Next week sometime, I think I heard, he's going to appear on some 'comedy club' ..... Figures huh?
or........ the Liars' Club....can't remember which one off hand.
Might be in the NEWS!

Call2Glory

Jul 18, 2008 | 5:24 PM

Someone should have taken the president for a dip in one of our contaminated municipal pools!

shotguns1
Jul 18, 2008 | 6:52 PM

This is without a doubt the most petty blog I have ever wasted my time replying to.

The fact is political fundraising is part of the gig. It always has been and always will be. Also, this is the first time I heard of the award reason being used. To my knowledge it was never represented to be anything other than a $1000.00 a plate breakfast to raise funds for a Republican running for office.{his name eludes me} But then again I ususally watch the National Fox Station. It tends to be less petty and slanted.

The fact Air Force One is used is irrelevent. He is the President of The United States no matter what business he is attending to 24 hours a day. Therefore it is his right and responsibility to be in close proximity at all times. At least he is punctual and respectful of the crew. Unlike Mr Clinton who couldn't be on time to save his life.

Also, based on statistics I have heard in the past President Bush has been more frugal with Air Force One than a number of other past presidents.

As far as going to Tuscon, there would have to be some money in it for me to go. That is one wierd dead town !

Atm_Thght

Jul 18, 2008 | 8:56 PM

shotguns1
"This is without a doubt the most petty blog I have ever wasted my time replying to."

Did you know that 'wasters' are attracted to all sort of things?

Geez, I didn't know that!

lubella

Jul 18, 2008 | 9:19 PM

Well, well Troy. You are a smart anchor man/ journalist etc. you sure were observant and now we thank you for that observation... DUH! Now, some real insight please?

TroyHayden

Jul 18, 2008 | 9:39 PM

Let's go a hair deeper for lubella.

I read an article published by USA Today in 2004 quoting the cost of flying air force one at about $60,000 per hour.

How much was jet fuel then? The cost to fly has definately gone up.

The flight from San Francisco to Phoenix is a little under two hours.

That's about $120,000 just to fly the plane.

Then add in hotels for all staff members, and meals, etc.

Let's say that's another $10,000.

So conservatively, the taxpayers (you and I) spent $130,000 so the President could raise $500,000 for a candidate for congress.

And the only benefit for the taxpayer is that a woman, who no doubt was deserving, got an award.

When the trip is delcared as a fundraising only trip, the political party pays the equivalent of a first class ticket for the President and some members of his staff.

That money doesn't come close to defraying the cost of the flight.

But far more often, an "official" reason for the visit is named (like looking at the wildfires in CA yesterday, when a big money Napa Valley fundraiser also happened to be scheduled, or the award in Tucson) so the taxpayers foot the bill.

Its not just this President.

Clinton was a master at it.

And I don't think its right.

FESKJS

Jul 18, 2008 | 10:47 PM

I would have to agree.

Even though he is the President, he works for us. And there should be an accounting for large expenditures such as flying around the Country attending fundraisers.

Obviously the President can't fly commercial but maybe he could fly a smaller 8 to 10 passenger jet. Then let the staff (of who's use is questionable) be left to their own devices!!

lubella

Jul 18, 2008 | 11:50 PM

I agree. They are all egotistical sobs' and you are absolutely correct they have all done it and will continue doing so because they are royalty and we are peasants and what can we do? except to vote someone else in who will continue with perks.

Tazaz
Jul 19, 2008 | 6:54 AM

This reminds me of "what no bread, let them eat cake".

This president shows his complete disregard for the American taxpayer who will be footing the bill for his fund raising trips. Many Americans cannot afford to buy gas for their own vehicles!

shotguns1, these are different times that we are faced with today and WE have to make sacrifices unless we are a member of the very rich club. For you to cry petty makes you the pettiest of them all! You don't have to "waste" your time at all.

jteamaz

Jul 19, 2008 | 10:08 AM

Troy, I'm definitely with you on this one. What a ridiculous waste of fuel and taxpayer dollars. But, then again I'm not really surprised. A 747 uses around 3,700 gallons of fuel per hour. It doesn't take much figuring to know it's inexcusable. The mind numbing stupidity of this man never ceases to boggle me, and those who allow it to happen.

jteamaz

Jul 19, 2008 | 10:10 AM

Also, those who claim it's already common knowledge and don't care to hear it are really part of the problem. If we continue to ignore and look the other way it will be "business as usual" where things like this are concerned.

worldlyone

Jul 19, 2008 | 11:01 AM

A bunch of sniveling little people who haven't got a clue about our national government. Ever hear of "Rank has it's privledges"? You all act like this is the first president to do this. The very first "Air Force One" was in the Eisenhower administration and every president since then has used "Air Force One" for similar purposes and, little clueless meaningless people have been complaining all along about wasting tax payers money. BULL!!!
It's part of the presidents job.

Goldbug

Jul 20, 2008 | 3:46 AM

When the Dems win the White House the costs to all of us will jump up dramatically. We have nobody to blame but ourselves. We keep electing these greedy, selfserving bastards.

Tazaz
Jul 20, 2008 | 2:34 PM

Yeah, Leona, we know that it's only the "little people" that pay taxes and we say that it is about damn time for a change! We also know that "rank has privledges", that's how some get to do their tour of duty, during wartime, in a safe place! What the h-ll else can you tell us that we already know?? Surely such a wise a$$ can think of something.

aznorthstar

Jul 20, 2008 | 8:53 PM

I see your point Troy, but my question is this.

The President has a responsibility to his party to participate in fundraisers. Do you have a suggestion on how you would prefer President Bush to travel to the fundraiser?

Amtrak?

I think you blog would be similiar if you were complaining about a person driving the Mercedes Benz to the local circle K. It is their mode of transportation...no matter the cost.

Tazaz
Jul 21, 2008 | 6:47 AM

Troy, please tell him that the President also has responsibilities to the people of The United States but he has chosen to ignore that fact. Just ask the 75% of Americans who do not approve of the job he is doing.

Most Republicans are running and trying to distance themselves from him. That's what we hear and read everyday.

Men are actually giving up their most beloved toys, the big trucks and SUV's! Take the blinders off, it is time for a change. How can anyone think that this is a matter of choice?

TroyHayden

Jul 21, 2008 | 2:34 PM

northstar,

I would like to see the President's party step up and foot more of the transportation bill.

If it is going to be a purely fundraising trip, maybe the party picks up at least half the cost of the travel.

worldlyone

Jul 21, 2008 | 3:19 PM

Get real people. In the scheme of all things, these are petty insignificant costs that even if they were to be eliminated would not save you or me a single penny. So why bother? If anything is a JOKE, it's the media newscasters with their liberal attacks on the president on the tiniest matters. That especially includes you TROY!!!! If you want to save taxpayer dollars, talk about elimination of the endless costs for support of illegals and other "Takers" that don't care to support themselves. And finally, President Bush did not invent using Air Force One for these purposes and apparently it is in the budget that is approved by (Democratic) Congress.

Atm_Thght

Jul 21, 2008 | 3:26 PM

For all of you who believe (in the real world)
the president actually works for you, look again!
Our society, as well as other societies,
does in fact have different levels of status.
"We the People" are in the subordinate classes.
All those running the Government or Finance,
or Education , or Churches don't need to listen
to any of us.
They have and will continue to do as they always do.
Continuing to do their utmost to insure their own
agendas (Professional and Private) without any
consideration relevant to "We the People".

Anyone who truly believes the dreamy bunk, Wake UP!

The dominating 'group(s)' have always
and will continue to do as they well please!
If you want to believe otherwise, well be at peace
within your visual naïveté and feel secure.
All others, put on your 'Real Life Spectacles'.

"Rank has it's privilege"= IS = "business as usual"

Yes, "We are the People", but "they are our masters"!

Do you actually vote for president?
Nope, not when & where it matters,
'The Electorial College' does it for you!
Get the picture?

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TroyHayden

I'm part of the Fox 10 News team. I'm married to a great wife, with two little girls. Catch me weeknights at 6 & 10.

Member Since: 9/6/2006

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